While unfavorable currency rates and the global consumer credit crunch
contributed to a temporary dip in the volume of sales, consumption has
been steadily on the increase in the last several months, albeit in
new ways and throwing up new market trends.

For instance, English sparkling wines is one of the biggest success
stories of 2009, producers and retailers say, enjoying record sales as
their appeal has grown on the back of the recession. Further, results
posted by major brewers in the last quarter show the global beer
market is riding out the tail-end of the financial crisis well with
global beer consumption set to rise by 3.5% by 2015.

While the traditional premium markets such as Europe and the US
continue to be stable, volume sales are increasing in developing
markets such as Asia, notably China and India, Latin America and
Eastern Europe; other new and developing markets include Kenya and
Mexico. In the mature markets, while high-end buyers are opting for a
value over volume strategy, mid-range consumers are choosing value for
money by buying drinks from New Zealand, South Africa and Chile than
those from the euro area.

The global economic downturn is making companies adopt an increasingly
clever and ingenious approach to all aspects of business. "Now, more
than ever, it is vital companies have direct access to the senior
executives who take the final decision on vendor selection and the
ultimate sign off on all budgets. But reaching the decision maker is
costly, time-consuming and hard to achieve. Now this is where the
Drink World Congress assists business by guaranteeing targeted, face-
to-face business meetings with people that count," says Sonja
Merchant, Director, Drink World Congress.

Drink World Congress 2010-2011 is a unique four-edition event aimed at
finding new initiatives, arranging direct access to decision makers
and delivering tangible business results for the growth of the
producers of spirits and wines worldwide. Between September 2010 and
June 2011, the congresses will be held in Hong Kong (8-10 Sep 2010),
Milan (03-05 Nov 2010), New York (16-18 Mar 2011) and in Moscow (08-10
June 2011).

The event brings together hosted VIP buyers from specific regions
around the world to meet with the world’s most sought after suppliers
and makers of wine, spirits, beer and other alcoholic drinks to meet,
exchange business terms and seal deals. This formula is successful
because it is based on an unrivalled pre-qualified, pre-scheduled
appointment system and effective networking opportunities.

The format and value-for-money price point of the congress ensures
suppliers have a focused business environment, unparalleled access to
potential clients, thus saving time and money, and delivering
exceptional business results.

Very Early Bird Discounts for Suppliers end 22 December 2009. For more
information please visit http://www.drinkworldcongress.com/supplier.php

The real shining star is the craft brewing industry who are jumping leaps and bounds over the big boys as far as growth. Its an interesting time for them.....

Interesting you say this. A few weeks ago I was in my favorite beverage mart and saw a guy unloading cases of a beer that runs $10 a case (I ain't talking a 12 pack). I asked him if he ever tried it (Lost Lake). He said that he made it. The guy makes the beer and hires a canner to put it in cans. I generally hate cans; but, after talking to the owner of the store, it was affirmed this guy makes and delivers his brew. Bought a case, and it's one of the best quaffing beers out there. Beats the heck out of Lite or (gulp) Bud Light , which I despise more than probably any other beer. I usually don't buy those lighter beers as I'm a dark lager/al fan. This was made by a human and it was pretty decent for what it is. At $10/case, you can't expect miracles.

I think that weiss(wheat) beers are going by the wayside. I hope to see beers that showcase the malt, as opposed to the hops. The knock against our microbrews is overreliance on hops and too much "hop character." The best on this planet (Belgium) age their hops and use them sparingly. The better the malt, the less one needs to rely on hops.

I like that they are going after the cheap markets. I owe it to a friend to mention that Joe Huber, who (in 1947)took over another brewery in Monroe, WI, was the father of American microbrews. He had cheap stuff for many years, and entered the market to compete against the better Euro brew with Augsburger in the 80's. No, it wasn't as good as Urquell or DAB, but it was a nice start, with prices to match. He died a few years back; but he opened my eyes to dark lagers and such. He wasn't afraid to take calculated chances. You can still buy Berghoff; but it doesn't compete well with Euro stuff because our tax structure makes it impossible for our brews to compete with the imports.

Want great American beer? Try New Glarus-Spotted Cow, and the Euro award winning, Belgian Red. I'm cheering for the USA, as Michael Jackson (the beer man, not the panzee that died) once said that the US was the best place to drink beer, as we have stuff from everywhere; unlike most European places. There are many more great beers made in the US; just have to look past the hype and pretty bottles to get them.

Freshaness dating is the biggest scam in brewing. Most beers need time to reach their potential. Try that Bud Select crap and you'll know what I'm saying. My store will have a clearance from distributors every week and, for $10/case, you may end up with Guiness, Grolsch, Urquell, among other American microbrews. I'm drinking a New Belium (Ft. Collins, CO) for that price. Good , dark ale. The best? NO. But for ten beans I'm enjoying it. Would I buy it at $6 / a sixer. No.